O-Train Extension overview
Welcome to the O-Train Extension. We’re upgrading transit in Ottawa. This project extends the O-Train farther south, east, and west.
Explore this page to learn about the project, its milestones, and the benefits to our growing city.
The O-Train Extension will foster connectivity, sustainability, and economic growth. Let's transform Ottawa's transit together.
Overview
The O-Train Extension is underway. We’re enhancing transit across Ottawa by:
- Extending Line 2 South to Limebank and Airport Stations
- Stretching Line 1 East through Orléans to Trim Station
- Expanding Line 1 West to Algonquin Station
- Adding the new Line 3 to Moodie Station
We’re introducing cutting-edge Stadler FLIRT trains and new and upgraded stations. With reliable connections, it’ll be easier to explore more of your city.
Map of the new networkStep 1
O‑Train South extension
In the first phase of the project, we’re expanding O-Train Line 2 to Limebank through Carleton and South Keys. We’re also adding the new Line 4 link to the Ottawa International Airport. This step offers convenient connections, brand new stations, a direct airport link, and reliable service to the south.
Step 2
O‑Train East extension
During the second phase, we’re extending O-Train Line 1 towards the east through Orléans to Trim Station. It will be easier to commute downtown and to explore east-end destinations.
Step 3
O‑Train West extension
In this phase, we’re extending Line 1 west to Algonquin Station and adding a new Line 3 that connects to Moodie Station.
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These timelines are subject to construction schedules, which can sometimes change. They also depend on rigorous safety, training and reliability testing done over an extended period of running time. As construction on each extension finishes and we begin final testing, we will keep you informed about opening dates.
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Line identities
We carefully designed the identity of rail lines to simplify wayfinding and enhance recognition. This helps customers develop navigation muscle memory. The future O-Train network ensures a seamless and intuitive experience by:
- Clearly distinguishing the lines using different colours
- Creating meaningful, memorable, and practical station names
- Providing consistent and coherent signage
Line colours
Colour plays a crucial role in our design. We use bold, eye-catching colours. The colours reflect the energy and vibrancy of our growing city. These colours are used consistently in maps, signage, and schedules.
Intuitive wayfinding is key to seamless navigation. For this reason, we’ve defined distinctive colours for each O-Train line.
This visually striking approach helps riders get familiar with their regular routes. It also lets them identify their desired lines quickly and easily.
Quick facts
- Lines 1 and 2 will keep their existing colours
- Lines 3 and 4 will have brand new colours
- The colours of the bus services will remain the same for consistency
The identity of new O‑Train lines is distinctive, accessible, and user-friendly.
Line 1
Hex: #D30F1D
Pantone: 1797 C
Contrast: 5.45 AA
Line 2
Hex: #508028
Pantone: 368 C
Contrast: 4.71 AA
Line 4
Hex: #0980A5
Pantone: 299 C
Contrast: 4.52 AA
Line 3
Hex: #8F7200
Pantone: 118 C
Contrast: 4.59 AA
Key factors
- Unique line colours for easy differentiation. We’ve added numbered icons for more clarity.
- Accessibility:
- High contrast and colour-blind friendly
- Line identities chosen with extensive stakeholder input, including the CNIB
- Colours are adaptable across all formats they’re displayed including:
- Digital screens
- Maps
- Printed signs
- Station signs
- Low-light
- Backlit signs
- Alignment with service design (how lines would be shown in context):
- Lines 1 & 3 mostly run parallel
- Line 4 connecting to the airport is linked with Line 2
- Numbers and colours that are easy to identify and remember
Our approach
We considered accessibility, distinctiveness, and visibility. Unique brands for each line helps you spot your lines more easily. Bold colours remain visible under various lighting conditions.
The result is a user-friendly and visually appealing wayfinding system. It will allow riders to explore Ottawa with ease.
View the system map
Station names
Choosing the right station names is crucial to help riders navigate to their destinations. We selected the names for new O-Train stations in consultation with:
- Ward Councillors
- Members of the public
- A working group led by the Transit Commission Chair
While selecting these names, we ensured they were:
- Geographically meaningful
- Easy to understand in both English and French
- Easy to pronounce and write
- Unique and distinct from other stations and city locations
- Consistent with Transitway station names
New naming examples
These examples demonstrate our approach to naming the new stations:
Carling Station becomes Dow’s Lake Station
Renamed to highlight nearby Dow's Lake and the surrounding neighbourhood.
Dow's Lake Station
Dominion Station becomes Kichi Zìbì Station
- Aligned with nearby Kitchissippi Lookout
- Named after adjacent Ottawa River
- Uses an Algonquin spelling for added cultural relevance
Station signage
Station entrance signs
O‑Train Extension station entrance signs will feature distinct colours and numbers for improved visibility.
- Lincoln Fields Station, serving Lines 1 & 3 features a red circle with a white "1" and a gold circle with a white "3"
- Bayshore Station, served by Line 3, displays a gold circle with a white "3"
- South Keys Station, on Lines 2 & 4, reveals a green circle with a white "2" and a blue circle with a white "4"
The signs were designed for effortless recognition. They feature clear, highly visible, and easily identifiable markers.
Direction‑of‑travel line maps
You’ll find these easy-to-use maps as you arrive at the train platform. These signs tell you where you are along the O‑Train line. They let you know whether you’re heading the right way by showing all upcoming stations in your travel direction.
Here's a preview of what you can expect:
If you’re heading south on Line 2 at Carleton Station, you’ll see the map just before you enter the platform. Line 2 is shown as a white number 2 inside a green circle, and a green line on the map.
To help you navigate easily, this map provides valuable information, such as:
- The train’s direction of travel
- The next station
- Transfer points
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System design
We’re building 24 new stations along the entire extended O-Train network. These stations will connect neighbourhoods and improve access for many residents.
Our ambitious green approach focuses on:
- Low carbon-impact construction
- Energy efficiency
- Long-lasting and adaptable buildings
Enhanced connectivity for a vibrant community
The O‑Train Extension project goes beyond new stations and tracks. We're rejuvenating public spaces and building new pathways. These facilities seamlessly fit into the surrounding community to enhance the quality of life for locals.
Promoting active transportation
We’re investing roughly $20 million in multi-use pathways (MUPs), cycle-tracks, and pedestrian bridges. These will enrich our City's vast pedestrian and cyclist network. This investment improves access across our network.
O‑Train South extension
- A 13.6-km multi-use pathway linking South Keys and Bowesville stations
- A 60-metre pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Rideau River at Carleton University
- An 80-metre pedestrian and cycling bridge above Hunt Club Road, linked to existing multi-use pathways
- A 60-metre connection to Bayview Station from the future Trinity development on Albert Street
- A wildlife corridor where High Road crosses the railway. This connects natural areas separated by road and tracks.
O‑Train East extension
- A new pedestrian bridge over Green’s Creek linking to the Greenbelt pathways along the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway
- Multi-use pathways leading toward the Jeanne d’Arc Bridge from both the north (Fortune Drive) and south (eastbound on-ramp)
- Multi-use pathways, sidewalks, and cycle tracks to improve access and safety for pedestrians and cyclists around stations
- Reconfiguration of roads and bridges (such as the Jeanne d'Arc Bridge) to enhance safety in station areas
- A 2.7-km multi-use pathway between Blair and Montréal stations, offering a key active transportation link between Ottawa's eastern communities and downtown
O‑Train West extension
- Highway 417 overpass linking new Queensview Station to Baxter Road for pedestrians and cyclists
- Two new pedestrian underpasses under the Kichi Zībī Mīkan Parkway
- Pedestrian and cycling enhancements to the Moodie/417 Overpass
- New walking paths from Richmond Road to Bayshore Mall
- Enhanced active mobility features through a revitalized Byron Linear Park
Stations designed for your comfort
The O-Train Extension will build on our transit system’s unique identity. The new stations boast eye-catching and practical designs. These will make them a central and lasting part of our city’s landscape.
We design our stations to provide:
- Optimal safety
- Comfort, with heaters to maintain temperature
- Simple wayfinding
A distinctive architecture blends every station into its surroundings. We’re committed to sustainability and eco-friendly design principles. This includes:
- Using durable flooring and materials
- Maximizing natural light
- Optimizing space and material use
- Conserving energy
Vibrant, contemporary designs
The stations architecture features abundant use of wood, and glass. This allows natural light to fill the spaces and enhances station security. It also makes it easy for customers to move through the station and provides common areas for riders and nearby residents to enjoy.
The stations will transform into lively community hubs complete with:
- Customer information and services
- Captivating public art
- Accessible public spaces
These stations will blend seamlessly into the surrounding city. You’ll enjoy a diverse range of amenities that cater to the needs of our customers.
Station design features: examples and highlights
Bayview Station
- Two tracks and platforms to provide more flexibility for operations
- Access to both platforms through a partially enclosed walkway to keep you protected from the elements
- Multi-line station with Line 1 platforms on the upper level and Line 2 platforms below
Airport Station
- The station platform will be on the same level as the airport Departures level, making transfers quick and simple
- The entrance and lounge will be an extension of the airport terminal building for easy access by travellers
- Ticket machines with video-chat and transit information screens with real-time information make it easy to use the O-Train
Integrated and inclusive design
The O-Train Extension stations prioritize accessibility and ease of use. Features include:
- Barrier-free paths to station entrances for easy access
- Wider accessible fare gates with tactile wayfinding tiles
- Transecure waiting areas on platforms with accessible benches and tactile/Braille signs
- Tactile warning strips and inter-car barriers to keep everyone safely away from the platform edge
- Wayfinding and safety signage following accessibility standards, including:
- Type size
- Tactile signage
- Appropriate colour contrast
- Plain language
- Universal icons
- Clear, open sight lines for simple and intuitive wayfinding
- Bicycle parking with room for growth at all stations, with 80% of provided spaces covered
These design features create a safe and accessible experience and make public transit a convenient transportation option.
Revamping public spaces for greener commutes
We are improving station access for nature-friendlier forms of transportation, like walking and cycling. Most stations will also have direct bus connections. This will make it easier to access the O‑Train from farther away.
The system design encourages residents to walk, wheel, bike, or bus to the O-Train. In the new network, 77% of Ottawa's residents will live within 5 km of a station. This could be a 10-minute bus ride, a 20-minute bike ride, or an even shorter trip if you live closer.
Deck work on the High Road wildlife crossing bridge.
Station areas
The O-Train Extension embraces green design principles. Stations beyond Ottawa's urban core harmonize with the local ecosystem. Wildlife-friendly structures, including culverts and passages, let smaller animals safely cross under the rail line. The High Road Bridge, the O-Train's first wildlife crossing, lets larger animals and people go over. The High Road Bridge provides a safe passage for animals, pedestrians and cyclists.
Found near the Greenbelt and Rideau River, it fosters the smooth movement for flora and fauna. This promotes a thriving ecological corridor. The High Road Bridge design also supports future development.
Artfully-clad construction sites
As the O‑Train network expands, we're excited to incorporate Indigenous artwork to beautify construction sites. Nine talented Indigenous artists contributed culturally relevant images under the theme 'Land is Medicine' from their respective territories. Emphasizing the significance of land in Indigenous cultures, these pieces represent healing traditions and diverse cultural themes.
Witness the beauty of these artworks displayed on O‑Train Extension construction hoardings, promoting Indigenous art and artists throughout the city.
Let's honour the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation and all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who've shaped this land's vibrant history.
Learn more about the indigenous artists
Are you interested in the O‑Train Extension?
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